Alternative to traditional noninvasive ventilation using a modified snorkel mask in a patient with SARS-COV2: A case report

Abstract

Introduction The lack of mechanical ventilators for patients with COVID-19 has necessitated the use of other noninvasive ventilation (NIV) systems. One of these NIV systems is the use of an adapted snorkel mask with inspiration valves and pressure valve (PEEP). Case and outcomes A 48-year-old man with no previous history of lung disease was admitted to the emergency room with a diagnosis of acute respiratory failure due to SARS-COV2. The patient did not improve saturation with the use of the reservoir mask. Oxygenation was started using an adapted snorkel mask with a PEEP valve with an alveolar recruitment function and double oxygen flow. The patient presented clinical and radiological improvement after 2 days of use and was discharged 16 days later. Discussion The use of a snorkel mask is an important, viable, and simpler NIV modality for the management of patients with COVID-19 with respiratory failure who fail to use a reservoir mask, and it can be an alternative before the use of a mechanical ventilator. Conclusion The use of the adapted snorkel mask with Charlotte valve and PEEP is a feasible alternative for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Effect of the modified snorkel mask as noninvasive ventilatory support in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19

“…12 In our hospital, a second modification was made to the mask, adding positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) pressure valves, decreasing the length of the corrugated tubing to reduce dead spaces, and adding a double oxygen intake system through a venturi device and another reservoir system. 13 Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic at the Daniel Alcides Carrion Hospital, Huancayo-Perú, the modified snorkel mask has been the most widely used device for NIV support, even though other systems were available. In this hospital, there was an entire intermediate care unit for the use of NIV devices with the snorkel mask.…”